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CNZ chairman welcomes new Los Angeles/Auckland air service

CNZ chairman welcomes new Los Angeles/Auckland air service
Cruise New Zealand chairman Kevin O’Sullivan told Seatrade Cruise News that American Airlines’ first flights from its trans-Pacific gateway hub at Los Angeles International Airport into Auckland Airport next June will boost the association’s plans to increase cruise ship turnarounds.

‘It is very good news for New Zealand,’ O’Sullivan said.

Qantas will code-share with American Airlines which will utilise its 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft for the daily non-stop service.

‘We’ve seen a strong increase for demand from U.S. customers who need more nonstop access to New Zealand,’ American’s chairman and ceo Doug Parker said.

‘We are excited to be the first U.S. carrier to offer a truly premium experience between Los Angeles and Auckland,’ Parker, who was in the New Zealand capital of Wellington for the announcement, said.

 He said consumers will benefit from the ‘friendly competition’ with Air New Zealand which has had a monopoly on the route since 2012.